Q&A with Silver Medalist Junior Rider, Ana Holguin

Q&A with Ana Holguin

What is your name, age, and where are you from?

-Ana Holguin

-15

-Bogota, Colombia

How old were you when you started riding?

-I started riding when I was 6 years old living in Washington D.C.

How many horses do you own/ride right now?

-I own 3 horses and ride all of them

What horse has taught you the most? Why?

-The horse that I am jumping right now. His name is Dayro Z. He is an 8 year old Zangersheide gelding. What he has taught me that has impacted me the most is that to succeed you have to trust yourself and your horse, stop worrying about what other people say and think, and instead focus on what you need to improve and what you want. That is what will make you succeed.

What’s your most memorable horse-related moment?

-The most memorable moment was last year at the national championships. In December 2018 I entered the first round feeling the pressure of the world on my shoulders, I knocked down one rail that round and went clear the other two days. Finding myself going into the jump off I noticed that no matter what I was proud of my results because I finally found myself being one with my horse, after going over the jump off i got on the horse warmed up and entered the ring. I told him “I love you and nothing will break our bond, Let's win this”, I ended up winning the bronze medal.

Does anyone else in your family ride?

-Two of my cousins play polo, no one else jumps. Most of my family doesn't really enjoy the sport as I do and don't have the connection with the horses.

What are your biggest achievements?

-Silver medalist 2016 FEI Children's Challenge C

-Silver medalist 2018 FEI Children's Challenge A

-Bronze medalist 2018 children National Championship

-Gold Medal Departmental Cup 2016

-4th place Pre Children's National Championship 2016

What do you currently show in?

-I currently show in the medium and high junior classes which are 1.30-1.45

Any advice for riders trying to improve their jump position?

-To improve my position I used a crop when working on my flat and doing poles. What I did was I put the crop behind my back and put my arms behind and under it, although the reins would be very long it is what will most improve your back. To work on your heels I recommend to use yoga blocks, when you have freetime you put the front of your foot on top so that the heel is on the floor in the same position it should be when jumping.

What would you like to tell all equestrians as a piece of wisdom?

-“I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually they make the difference between winning and losing.” —Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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